Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapa featuring crispy golden potatoes topped with a smoky, mildly spicy tomato-based brava sauce. Often served with creamy garlic aioli, this dish is bold, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers the perfect contrast between crispy potatoes and velvety sauce. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and highly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a tapas night or craving a flavorful snack, Patatas Bravas is sure to impress with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- Baking soda (for parboiling)
- Olive oil (or another high-heat oil for frying)
- Salt
For the brava sauce:
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper or chili flakes
- Sherry vinegar
Optional aioli:
- Garlic
- Egg yolk or egg-free substitute
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice or vinegar
Directions
- Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- Parboil them in water with a pinch of baking soda for 2 minutes. Drain and let them cool and dry.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the potatoes until golden and crispy. Alternatively, roast them in the oven at 220°C (425°F) for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For the brava sauce, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add smoked paprika, cayenne, and tomato paste or tomatoes. Simmer until thickened, then stir in sherry vinegar.
- For aioli, blend garlic, egg yolk, and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until a thick sauce forms.
- Serve the crispy potatoes topped with warm brava sauce and optional aioli.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 4–6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30–40 minutes
- Total time: 45–55 minutes
Variations
- Roast instead of fry for a lighter option
- Make it vegan by skipping the aioli or using a plant-based version
- Add a smoky twist with extra smoked paprika
- Use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile
- Serve with other tapas like chorizo or olives
Storage/reheating
- Store leftover potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat potatoes in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes until crisp.
- Gently reheat sauce on the stove or in the microwave.
- Aioli should be consumed within 2–3 days and kept refrigerated.
FAQs
1. Can I make Patatas Bravas in advance?
Yes, you can parboil and prep the potatoes ahead of time. Re-crisp them in the oven or fryer before serving.
2. Are Patatas Bravas spicy?
They can be! Traditional brava sauce has a mild to medium heat level. You can adjust the spice to your liking.
3. What’s the best potato to use?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best due to their texture—they crisp up beautifully when fried or roasted.
4. Can I use canned tomato sauce for the brava sauce?
Yes, canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce are suitable shortcuts, but tomato paste gives a deeper flavor.
5. Is aioli necessary for Patatas Bravas?
No, it’s optional. Some regions in Spain serve it only with brava sauce, while others add aioli for contrast.
6. How do I get crispy potatoes?
Parboil them with baking soda, let them dry, and use hot oil for frying or a hot oven for roasting.
7. Can I freeze Patatas Bravas?
The sauce can be frozen, but the potatoes are best eaten fresh for maximum crispiness.
8. What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral high-heat oil like sunflower or canola oil. Olive oil works too but can burn more easily.
9. What can I serve with Patatas Bravas?
Serve with other tapas like grilled shrimp, olives, or Spanish tortilla for a full spread.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you don’t add flour to the sauce and ensure your vinegar and condiments are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Patatas Bravas is a simple yet unforgettable Spanish dish that captures the essence of tapas culture. Its combination of textures and bold flavors makes it a go-to recipe for gatherings or flavorful weeknight dinners. Customize it with your preferred spice level or sauce, and enjoy a taste of Spain from your own kitchen.
PrintPatatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapa made with crispy fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce and sometimes aioli. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish enjoyed across Spain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting or Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika or chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) if frying.
- Toss potato cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt if baking. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, deep-fry until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, hot paprika, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.
- Remove sauce from heat and let cool slightly. Blend if a smoother texture is desired.
- Serve crispy potatoes topped with the bravas sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional aioli if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes before roasting or frying.
- You can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting cayenne pepper.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Aioli is a common addition for creaminess and balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg